EASA AD 2020-0068-E
Flight Controls — Rudder Control Cable Attachment Screws and Hinge Bolts — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0068-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection and possible replacement of rudder control cable attachment screws and hinge bolts on all serial numbers of the L 23 Super-Blaník sailplanes. The directive targets specific part numbers related to rudder hinge bolts and control cable screws to ensure continued airworthiness. It mandates inspections to detect cracks or discrepancies that could lead to rudder control failure.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a one-time mandatory inspection of the rudder control cable attachment screws and hinge bolts on L 23 Super-Blaník sailplanes, followed by replacement if any defects are found. It also requires reporting inspection results to the manufacturer within three days. The directive is based on findings of cracks during routine maintenance and aims to prevent loss of directional control.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations as it addresses a potential safety hazard that could result in rudder control failure and loss of directional control. Compliance ensures the continued airworthiness of affected sailplanes and prevents possible accidents. It also imposes reporting requirements that help the manufacturer monitor the condition of these parts fleet-wide.
What To Do
Operators must inspect all affected rudder control cable attachment screws and hinge bolts before the next flight after 25 March 2020, following the instructions in the BACZ Mandatory Bulletin L23/060a Revision 2. If any discrepancies are found, the affected parts must be replaced before further flight according to BACZ Information Bulletin L23/061b Revision 1. Inspection results, including no findings, must be reported to Blanik Aircraft CZ s.r.o. within three days of inspection.
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